Runners hug each other after crossing the finish line during the Sydney Marathon in Sydney, Australia, Sept. 18, 2022. After being held virtually for two consecutive years, the Sydney Marathon on Sunday came back on the road once again. As a part of the Sydney Running Festival, the Sydney Marathon was held simultaneously with other events. (Xinhua/Wang Qi)
SYDNEY, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Australia's Sydney Marathon was officially announced as a candidate race for the Abbott World Marathon Majors (AbbottWMM), the first marathon in Oceania to be nominated.
Athletics Australia said on Thursday it marked the commencement of a three-year evaluation process by the AbbottWMM, and if successful, the Sydney Marathon will be a new member of the esteemed group of races in 2025.
The Sydney Marathon is part of Australia's largest running festival, the Sydney Running Festival, which is often referred to as the world's most scenic marathon because athletes begin the race by running across the Sydney Harbour Bridge and finish at the iconic Sydney Opera House. In 2019, over 37,000 people attended the running festival.
"We have always believed that the Blackmores Sydney Marathon has what it takes to be an Abbott World Marathon Major, so becoming one of only three candidate races is a tremendous honor," said Race Director of the Sydney Marathon Wayne Larden.
He added that the race organizers would pull out all the stops to meet the requirements set by the AbbottWMM and achieve the goals.
Minister for Tourism and Sport of the state of New South Wales Stuart Ayres said the World Marathon Majors candidacy recognizes Sydney as a premier destination to join the great marathon cities of the world while showcasing Sydney's natural beauty and desirable lifestyle to a global audience.
He noted a successful joining would cement Sydney's position as one of the world's great sporting event cities, and attract more visitors to the harbor city and boost local tourism.
Athletics Australia said the candidacy also saw Infront, a Wanda Sports Group company, become a stakeholder in the Sydney Marathon. The organization will provide strategic input on both media rights and sponsorship strategy whilst also supporting the event throughout the evaluation phase. ■
Kenyan athlete Moses Kibet celebrates after crossing the finish line during the Sydney Marathon in Sydney, Australia, Sept. 18, 2022. After being held virtually for two consecutive years, the Sydney Marathon on Sunday came back on the road once again. As a part of the Sydney Running Festival, the Sydney Marathon was held simultaneously with other events. (Xinhua/Wang Qi)
People gather for the Sydney Marathon in Sydney, Australia, Sept. 18, 2022. After being held virtually for two consecutive years, the Sydney Marathon on Sunday came back on the road once again. As a part of the Sydney Running Festival, the Sydney Marathon was held simultaneously with other events. (Xinhua/Wang Qi)
Runners dash out from the start line during the Sydney Marathon in Sydney, Australia, Sept. 18, 2022. After being held virtually for two consecutive years, the Sydney Marathon on Sunday came back on the road once again. As a part of the Sydney Running Festival, the Sydney Marathon was held simultaneously with other events. (Xinhua/Wang Qi)
Wheelchair racers exchange congratulation after crossing the finish line during the Sydney Marathon in Sydney, Australia, Sept. 18, 2022. After being held virtually for two consecutive years, the Sydney Marathon on Sunday came back on the road once again. As a part of the Sydney Running Festival, the Sydney Marathon was held simultaneously with other events. (Xinhua/Wang Qi)
Runners run through the Sydney Harbor Bridge during the Sydney Marathon in Sydney, Australia, Sept. 18, 2022. After being held virtually for two consecutive years, the Sydney Marathon on Sunday came back on the road once again. As a part of the Sydney Running Festival, the Sydney Marathon was held simultaneously with other events. (Xinhua/Wang Qi)
